AEFP Live Handbook

State takeovers shift authority away from local school boards, often in response to academic or financial challenges. In this chapter, Beth E. Schueler examines their effects on student achievement, school finances, and local governance. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...

Assistant principals support school operations, student affairs, and instructional management. In this chapter, Ellen Goldring, Mariesa Herrmann, Anna Moyer, and Mollie Rubin examine their roles and responsibilities. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...

Workforce-aligned certificate programs offer shorter paths to postsecondary credentials and are designed to connect students with employment opportunities. In this chapter, Raj Darolia and Sophie McGuinness examine research on these programs. Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...

School funding varies widely across states, with differences in how schools are structured, funded, and supported by state, local, and federal revenues. In this chapter, Eric Hanushek examines research on equity and adequacy in school finance. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...

For-profit colleges play a distinct role in higher education, but research raises questions about student outcomes, debt, and reliance on federal student aid. In this chapter, Stephanie Cellini examines research on for-profit colleges. Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...

Good education policy requires attention to values at stake and the trade-offs policy decisions can involve. Harry Brighouse, Helen Ladd, Susanna Loeb, and Adam Swift examine values that shape education policy, including educational goods. Learn more: livehandbook.org/miscellaneou...

ECE programs can support children's development and the parenting skills and well-being of parents and caregivers. In this chapter, Todd Grindal and Molly Goldberg examine research on ECE-based supports for parents and caregivers. Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...

School capital investments can improve student outcomes, but spending varies by district. Paco Martorell and Isaac McFarlin Jr. examine how K–12 capital investments are funded and distributed and how effects vary by project and community. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...

ECE data are often spread across separate systems, limiting a full picture of how children and families are served. Jessica Whittaker, Kelsey Clayback & Isabella Rodriguez examine how ECIDS can connect data to improve ECE quality, equity & outcomes. Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...

Online postsecondary education can expand access, but its effects on student outcomes vary. In this chapter, Joshua Goodman examines research on online postsecondary education and its effects on student learning, degree completion, and access. Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...

Student assessment is used to measure students' understanding of classroom content. In this chapter, Chris Domaleski and Scott Marion examine different types of student assessment, their implementation, and their implications for equity. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...

Student loans can help students pay for college, but their effects depend on how and why students borrow. In a new chapter, Jeffrey T. Denning examines student loans, borrowing, student debt, college prices, and income-driven repayment. Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...

The first three years of life are a critical period for child development—but many families struggle to find affordable, high-quality care. In a new chapter, Pia Caronongan examines the research on infant and toddler ECE. Read more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...

Early college credit (ECC) courses give high school students access to college-level coursework. In this chapter, Dylan Conger and Steven Hemelt examine the research on ECC courses, including their benefits, challenges, and equitable access. Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...

What is the impact of early childhood education on children's development and well-being? In this chapter, Jade Jenkins and Anamarie A. Whitaker examine the evidence on the effects of early childhood education. Learn more: livehandbook.org/early-educat...

AI tools are evolving rapidly, and schools are adopting them faster than researchers can evaluate them. In a new chapter, Cristina Barnard, Lily Fesler, and Susanna Loeb examine what we know about AI's role in K–12 schools and its effects. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...

Higher education is often viewed as a valuable investment, but returns vary across students and pathways. In a new chapter, Douglas A. Webber and Celeste K. Carruthers examine the evidence on the returns to four-year higher education. Learn more: livehandbook.org/higher-educa...

Ability grouping and tracking practices aim to help schools meet students’ diverse needs and interests. In a new AEFP Live Handbook chapter, Thurston Domina examines the evidence on ability grouping. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...

Educational decisions are only as strong as the measures that inform them. In this chapter, Jonathan Schweig, Susha Roy, and Lauren Covelli examine validity and reliability in educational measurement. Read more: livehandbook.org/validity-rel...

Superintendents play a critical role in shaping school systems, but their work — and pathways into leadership — vary dramatically across contexts. In her chapter, @drrachelswhite.bsky.social reviews what research says about superintendents. Read more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...

Social and emotional learning (SEL) helps students develop the skills needed to manage emotions, build relationships, and make responsible decisions. In a new chapter, Sophie P. Barnes, Michael McCarthy, and Christina Cipriano examine SEL. Learn more: livehandbook.org/social-and-e...

Portfolio Management Models (PMMs) shift districts from directly operating schools to overseeing autonomous providers. In this chapter, Katrina E. Bulkley explores how PMM reforms shape student outcomes and public education systems. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...

Students enter classrooms with different levels of prior knowledge and learning pace. Tutoring can address unfinished learning. In a new chapter, Susanna Loeb and Carly D. Robinson examine what makes tutoring effective and how to implement it. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...

Curriculum policy isn’t just about what students learn—it also shapes how states, districts, and schools select and use materials to guide teaching. David Steiner explores curriculum policy and how it shapes student learning and teaching. Learn more: livehandbook.org/k-12-educati...